Building experts must learn all the essential steps in road construction. This job is a crucial part of planning the civil projects. That is why it affects every aspect of modern society. Whenever you drive on a smooth highway, it is a result of a detailed construction process. This process includes advanced materials and strategic planning. From soil testing to the final stage, every step is important for safety and performance.
Usually, contractors and project owners outsource experts to handle budgets for such big projects. If you also want to complete your projects under allocated funds, then hire a reliable construction estimating service for road projects. One of the top firms is SMA Estimating LLC, which provides error-free and precise cost estimates. So, no more handling the burden of the project budget! Now, let us show you the detailed steps for road construction:
Important Steps in Road Construction
Phase 1: Planning projects
The success of projects depends on their planning. Well, this phase takes four to six months, which includes:
Site Evaluation (2-4 Weeks)
First of all, the site is evaluated carefully to determine the current condition for construction. Engineers test the soil to look at soil composition and its bearing capacity.
Design Development (4-8 Weeks)
During this phase, traffic volume is analyzed to judge the number of vehicles. Experts who provide Construction Cost Estimating Services use CAD software to achieve all the goals of modern design. This way, accurate planning and adjustments are made before construction begins.
Logistics Planning (2-4 Weeks)
This stage plans the availability of the right equipment and machinery. Plus, labor tasks are scheduled, and how to manage the timelines.
Phase 2: Site Preparation
Land Clearing
The land is cleared from the trees and other things. But, this process is complex in rural areas because of busy areas.
Phase 3: Excavation
It takes one to four weeks. Excavation is important to remove unnecessary things to reach the desired formation level. With the help of bulldozers, this process is carried out. When the desired depth is reached, the engineers investigate the subgrade to assess its strength for the structure of the road.
Phase 4: Subgrade Preparation
It is the lowest level of the road. Plus, subgrade is considered the foundation of the road.
Subgrade Formation
The process involves:
- Removing unsuitable soil materials
- Compacting the natural soil to specified densities
- Testing soil strength using California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests
- Making necessary improvements through stabilization, if needed
- Heavy machinery sets the soil
Phase 5: Sub-Base Construction
This is an important layer that provides more stability.
Sub-Base Materials
It is made up of crushed stone or gravel. These materials are selected to resist shrinkage.
Phase 6: Base Course Construction
The base course provides the initial structural support. It distributes traffic loads to the underlying layers.
Base Course Materials
Modern base courses typically consist of:
- Crushed aggregates are mixed with binding materials
- Recycled materials
- Stabilized materials using cement
Phase 7: Pavement Construction
The pavement layer is considered the actual road surface. Its two types are:
Flexible Pavement
Asphalt pavement is the most common type. It consists of a mixture of aggregates and bitumen binder.
Rigid Pavement
Concrete pavement is used for heavy use. It is made up of cement, aggregates, and water. Experts use it in airports and for other heavy use.
Phase 8: Rolling
After the completion of phase 7, the rolling process provides proper compaction. Heavy rollers are used to set the pavement to remove air pockets. It is important to maintain proper temperature while rolling.
Phase 9: Drainage Systems
In this phase, the drainage system is also prepared to prevent water damage. The most important drainage components are as follows:
- Shoulders
- Ditches
- Culverts
- Pipes
- Storm Drains
- Permeable Pavements
Phase 10: Finishing Touches
The final stage includes adding elements that make the road safe. Lane markings and crosswalks are applied using the required paint. For safety, traffic signs, guardrails, lighting, etc., are also installed
Phase 11: Quality Control
Do not forget to keep quality checks and every step of the process. You have to make sure that the road construction has met the required standards. You need to apply the following tests:
- Compaction Testing
- Material Testing
- Smoothness Testing
- Strength Testing
- Drainage Testing
Conclusion
However, road construction is a complex process. It requires skilled professionals to plan everything on point. Every step from starting evaluation to the final road opening, you have to properly manage. From these essential steps in road construction, you will now have an idea about managing the process accurately. It is better to use advanced technologies and methods to improve the building process. Plus, it is highly recommended to manage your budget with professional Construction Material Takeoff Services because they provide a detailed cost breakdown of every element required. This way, you can complete the projects under budget and timelines.
